New Releases

Post of the Week: Premium Upgrade not being recognized on devices

Hey everybody!

It’s Post of the Week time. This week, the prize goes to a Rising Star who consistently provides very friendly and welcoming replies, and is always willing to contribute to discussions even though there isn’t a clear answer on the topic.

Even though there were some tricky ones there, it was no biggie for @merlijnv2000, who replied with the following, friendly as ever:

The message had a very good vibe, and each point gave brief but efficient info/steps to take, not going too far in terms of explanation as the post is split into several questions. The user gave a Like and was very happy:

Everyone give a round of applause to @merlijnv2000 for this awesome post. A month of Premium is on its way ^^

New Releases

February 15, 2019 : new albums worth a listen

METHYL ETHEL

WOMAN’S HOUR

Triage

Ephyra

Origin : Perth, Australia

Origin : London, England

Genre : Art Rock, Indie Rock

Genre : Experimental Pop

==> Third studio album, released through the label 4AD, by the Australian band formed in 2013. Methyl Ethel is the musical project of Jake Webb. As a live band it expands to a five piece and includes Thom Stewart, Chris Wright, Lyndon Blue and Jacob Diamond.

==> Second studio album by the British band formed in 2011 by siblings Fiona and William Burgess, along with Nicolas Graves and Josh Hunnisett. Their music is described as : “a signature sound of synths and subtlety” (Allmusic)

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

JARED & THE MILL

Signs

This Story Is No Longer Available

Origin : Jacksonville, Floridan USA

Origin : Phoenix, Arizona

Genre : Americana, Blues Rock

Genre : Westeren Indie Rock, Americana

==> Fourth studio album by the American band formed in 2011 and led by married couple Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.

==> Second studio album and real official debut LP by the American band formed in 2011. “The band has a deep love for the desert region, finding solace in wide open views and new life in gulps of fresh petrichor.” (Bandcamp)

STATS

LADYTRON

Other People’s Lives

Ladytron

Origin : London, England

Origin : LIverpool, England

Genre : Elecro Dance

Genre : Electro Pop, Synthpop

==> Debut album by the British band, released through Memphis Industries. Recorded at London’s prestigious RAK Studios, band founder and front man Ed Seed, and his full live band spent time tracking the live jams that would form the bones of this LP.

==> Sixth studio album, and first new material in seven years, by the British electronic band formed in 1999.

GEMMA RAY

RY X

Psychogeology

Unfurl

Origin : Basildon, England

Origin : Los Angeles, California, USA

Genre : Noir Pop, Gothic Folk

Genre : Indie Pop, Chamber Pop

==>.Eighth studio album by the British guitarist, singer-songwriter, film composer and producer.”Psychogeology is Ray’s most lush and lavish record to date, calling on influences such as The Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac.” (Wikipedia)

==> Second studio album, released via Infectious Music, by Ry Cumming, Australian born musician, singer-songwriter, active since 2010.

INDIA.ARIE

YANN TIERSEN

Worthy

ALL

Origin : Denver, Colorado, USA

Origin : Brest, France

Genre : R&B, Soul Pop

Genre : Avant-Garde, Folktronica

==> Sixth studio album by the American singer-songwriter, L.A based. Active since 1999, She has won four Grammy Awards from her 21 nominations,

==> Tenth studio album by the French musician and composer. Tiersen is often mistaken for a composer of soundtracks, himself saying “I’m not a composer and I really don’t have a classical background” (Wikipedia)

New Releases

Post of the Week: Reuse username as artist?

Hello Spotify Community,

It’s time for our Post of the Week again. This week the winner is none other than our Rock Star @Maxim!

An artist accidentally created a regular Spotify account, trying to get an artist account. She was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to reuse the username after closing the account. Check out the thread here.

@Maxim replied, telling the user not to worry and also explained to her how to get an artist account on Spotify.

New Releases

The Tip-Off: GKR

I was confused but pleasantly surprised when I first came in contact with GKR’s music. Confirming to me once again that flow and energy is just as important as understanding the lyrics.

He started releasing tracks via online media back in 2014, selected Artist of the year by The Reykjavík Grapevine Magazine in 2016 and as of today has featured on some of Icelands biggest music festivals. GKR has definitely already made an impact on the Icelandic Hip Hop scene. It shouldn’t stop there though. Despite being told to steer away from rapping in Icelandic if he wants to make it outside of Iceland, GKR has been determined to represent the Land of Fire and Ice in Icelandic with tight hooks, bass-heavy instrumentals and vibrant colours you can hear. GKR really knows how to pack a punch in a charismatic way. This can be heard on the following collaboration with Birnir from GKR’s latest studio album ÚTRÁS.

The song which started it for me would be “Tala Um” which was released back in 2016 on his self-titled album. Funky foleys, volcano’s erupting pastel-coloured lava and not to forget a downpitched 808 bassdrum to round it all off.

New Releases

February 22, 2019 : new albums worth a listen

DU BLONDE

THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM

Lung Bread For Daddy

South of Reality

Origin : Newcastle, England

Origin : USA / England

Genre : Indie Rock

Genre : Psychedelic Rock

==> Second stucio album, released via Moshi Moshi, under the name of Du Blonde, by British musician, composer, artist, animator and video director, Beth Jeans Houghton. This album is the first to be produced by Houghton herself.

==> Second studio album by the American/British band formed in 2015 and consisting of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool (Primus), and guitarist/vocalist Sean Lennon.

DESPERATE JOURNALIST

HALF JAPANESE

In Search of the Miraculous

Invincible

Origin : London, England

Origin : Uniontown, Maryland, USA

Genre : Indie Rock, Post Punk

Genre : Art Punk Indie Rock

==> Third studio album by the British band formed in 2015 by Jo Bevan (vocals), Rob Hardy (guitar), Simon Drowner (bass) and Caroline Helbert (drums).

==> Eighteenth studio album by the American band formed in 1975 by brothers Jad and David Fair. Jad, known for playing untuned guitar, is now the only member.

DRENGE

GARY CLARK JR.

Strange Creatures

This Land

Origin : Castleton, England

Origin : Austin, Texas, USA

Genre : Indie Rock, Grunge

Genre : Blues Rock Soul

==> Third studio album by the British three piece formed in 2010 and consisting of Eoin Loveless, on guitar and vocals, his younger brother Rory, on drums, and Rob Graham on bass.

==> Third studio album by the American guitarist, singer, who started to play guitar at the age of twelve.

TELEKINESIS

JULIA JACKLIN

Effluxion

Crushing

Origin : Seattle, Washington, USA

Origin : Sydeney, Australia

Genre : Indie Rock, Power Pop

Genre : Art Pop, Indie Folk

==> “The fifth full-length album Michael Benjamin Lerner has recorded as Telekinesis is perfect, unfussy power pop—romantic and hopeful and skittish and fresh and familiar, with hooks in all the right places.” (Merge Records)

==> Third studio album by the Australian singer-songwriter, active since 2013. Her music is describe as a “meld of dreamy indie pop and confessional alt-country” (Allmusic)

SLEAFORD MODS

SPELLLING

Eton Alive

Mazy Fly

Origin : Nottingham, England

Origin : Oakland, California, USA

Genre : Post Punk, Electro Punk

Genre : Experimental Pop

==> Fifth studio album by the British duo. Formed in 2007 and consisting since 2012 of vocalist Jason Williamson and musician Andrew Fearn. Sleaford Mods are one of the most important, politically charged and thought-provoking duos on the UK music scene.

==> Second full-lenght release by the Californian band. The album “explores the tension between the thrill of exploring the unknown and the terror of imminent destruction.” (from artist Bandcamp)

New Releases

March 1, 2019 : new albums worth a listen

==> Third brilliant studio album by the British rapper, singer and actress, active since 2010.

==> Second studio album, released via the Leaf Label, by the British band formed in East London in 2011.

POND

HOZIER

Tasmania

Wasteland, Baby!

Origin : Perth, Australia

Origin : Bray, Ireland

Genre : Indie Rock, Psychedelic Pop

Genre : Indie / Soul / Rock / Folk

==> Eighth studio album by the Australian band, released by Spinning Top Records via Caroline Australia (Interscope Records internationally). It’s produced by former member and Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker.

==> Second studio album by the Irish musician, singer and songwriter, released by Rubyworks Records. It will be promoted by a North American tour, beginning in March 2019, and a European tour in August, September and October of 2019.

THE JAPANESE HOUSE

SUNDARA KARMA

Good At Falling

Ulfilas’ Alphabet

Origin : Buckinghamshire, England

Origin : Reading, England

Genre : Indie Pop, Dream Pop

Genre : Indie Pop / Rock

==> Debut album, released via the label Dirty Hit, by British solo artist Amber Bain. The name The Japanese House was inspired by a property in Cornwall, England previously owned by Kate Winslet with furnishings reminiscent of traditional Japanese tea houses.

==> Second studio album by the British band formed in 2011, and consisting of singer/guitarist Oscar “Lulu” Pollock, lead guitarist Ally Baty, bassist Dom Cordell and drummer Haydn Evans.

SELF ESTEEM

HAND HABITS

Compliments Please

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Origin : Sheffield, England

Origin : Los Angeles, California, USA

Genre : Indie Experimental Pop

Genre : Alternative / Experimental Rock

==> Delicate debut album by British musician, singer-songwriter, Rebecca Taylor, previously singer of the band Slow Club.

==> Second studio album by the American band, project of musician, singer-songwriter, Meg Duffy, “Over the course of 12 tracks, Meg emerges with new confidence as both a bandleader and singer.” (from artist bandcamp)

PKEW PKEW PKEW

THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS

Optimal Lifestyles

Easy Way

Origin : Toronto, Canada

Origin : Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Genre : Punk Rock

Genre : Indie Folk

==> Second studio album, released via independent UK label Big Scary Monsters, by the Canadian band formed in 2013

==> Second studio album by the American duo formed of Jack Torrey and Page Burkum. They have been featured in Twin Peaks season 3 with the song Mississippi from their debut album.

“That dude’s music is very relatable. I just love how NF is so real about our world. This one truly hit me harder the first time I listened to. Now, it’s been on repeat all day. Meaningful lyrics are everything for me.”

“I’d call this one probably my “go to work out” song. I absolutely love the vibe and it instantly wakes me up. The lyrics “I am not afraid of the storm that comes my way, when it hits it shakes me to the core and makes me stronger than before” got me really obsessed with this song. The first time I listened to Courtesy Call, I think I repeated just the beginning at least 8 times.”

“I absolutely love this song from Lil Mosey. It’s been out for a while, but it popped up in my Discover Weekly and what can I say. It has such a chill vibe to it, that only a little portion of rap songs do. The beats are awesome and Lil Mosey’s rapping is on point.”

“Continuing with the chill vibe, Swervin. I stumbled upon this song while I was reviewing A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s album, and it struck me as the best song on the album. I’m not a big fan of 6ix9ine’s part, but I don’t hate it.”

“Delicate Steve (Steve Marion) reminds me, a little, of another extraordinary guitar player -- Johnny Marr. Both play in-demand for other bands or artists and I love the sound they create. The new album was released March 1st.”

“In a world where most mainstream music sounds the same, where appearance takes the lead on ability, there are still talented artists taking the time to create elaborate concept albums. The latest release of the band created by bassist/vocalist Les Claypool (from Primus), and guitarist/vocalist Sean Lennon is a perfect example of what talented musicians working together are able to create. It’s psychedelic, it’s full of harmonies, it’s full of sophisticated compositions and, of course, it’s “Beatlesque” (How can it be another way with John Lennon’s son) “

“Canadian born but living in England for more than twenty years, Son Of Dave (Benjamin Darvill) has a passion -- the Blues. Previously a member of the band Crash Test Dummies, he returned to the Blues for his solo work. He is not a traditional bluesman in that he has introduced a new way to play the genre with beat-box and percussions. That’s the perfect example of how to be modern without forgetting the roots. Foot taping and fingers snapping guaranteed.”

New Releases

In Our Headphones: April 2019

Hello everyone!

With May here, it’s time to have a look at which songs were in our headphones during April.

I think most of us were excited when the new season of Game of Thrones came out, and so was our Kate. She had this to say: “The two songs from GoT are fresh from the new season. The anticipation paid off and I got not one but two from the soundtrack. Also, Ramin is my favorite artist ever (has even been on my top x year lists more than once).” Let’s have a look at the songs she is talking about:

As for my choice, I couldn’t help but have at least one Ivan B song in my headphones. He is my all time favorite artist so when his new album ‘Remains’ came out in the beginning of April, I made it a priority to listen to it immediately. Luckily I was roadtripping that day and I had plenty of time, bonus is that my mom liked his music too! While the whole album was great, the song ‘Chapter 2’ stood out for me (I have a thing with relatable lyrics):

I wasn’t the only one roadtripping, let’s talk about Kate’s choices again. “The french song: I heard it while I was starting a trip and it was very uplifting (the weather was foggy and rainy and the song talks about good weather -at least-).” The French song? Let’s see which one she means:

New Releases

February 2019 Ideas Review

No, I think he meant this one. The other one seems to be from 2012(!).As with the new update (at least new for me) there is no possibility to go to the songs saved from one artist, since the artists in the artist tab only lead to their respective artist page. Instead we have one giant “Liked Songs” Playlist (5000+ tracks) with every song we saved, which we should go through, just to play the songs we like from an artist? In which filtering for a string plays every song, which has the string somwhere in their title’s, artist’s or album’s name?Or are we supposed to create a Playlist for every artist, with only the songs we like from them? That would take hours, and it doesn’t help decluddering the UI. Saving Albums is also not an option, since there are a lot of them, which consist half of instrumentals and live versions, that one might not like to hear; or are Singles and EP’s which make you switch Albums every few minutes.

Also Saving a whole album makes it appear in the “Album” tab solely, while saving a whole album apart from a few songs makes the songs appear in “Liked Songs” not in the Album tab.I don’t see any advantages in the new UI and sorting, and I am genuinly mad about how inconvenient it is. If this doesn’t get fixed soon I really have to consider changing to another platform.

New Releases

In Our Headphones: February 2019

Hey everyone!

With March here, it’s time to look back at the tunes that caught our attention in February and share them in our favorite monthly blog.

Some of them were recommend by Spotify through radio stations or playlists like Discover Weekly, while others were inspired by concerts or movies that stayed with us.Other tracks returned to our headphones from the past, others accompanied us onourway to work or even, while working and others did their bestto bring a smile on our faces.

Let’s delve right in! For @Daisy, the contributions to this month’s In Our Headphonesplaylist were an easy pick. Her first choice is all about childhood:

“When I was younger I would always listen to this album on the loudest volume. My parents were not happy with that. When this song came on I would sing along and that’s when they would eventually tell me to be quiet. I came across it again recently and now I can’t stop listening to it. I still sing along -- only this time it’s not my parents complaining, but my roommate.”

@Peter had the good fortune to see Tom Speight and Tom Odell live in concert in the Bulgarian capital’s most iconic venue, namely the National Palace of Culture’s Hall 1.

“I was really surprised to hear that Tom Odell would be visiting Sofia on his European tour, so I figured I should check him out. I wasn’t a big Tom Odell fan at the time, and I’d only listened to the odd Tom Speight song when shuffling through music on Spotify, so I didn’t have high expectations from either. Both of them gave phenomenal performances, and I’ve been digging into their respective back catalogues on Spotify ever since. While Tom Odell already has three albums under his belt, his namesake is just getting started, with his debut album coming out in April. Good things are surely in store for the young singer-songwriter.”

Hence, it’s not surprising his top tunes for February were inspired by seeing them in action:

March 8, 2019 : new albums worth a listen

==> Fifth studio album by the British band, and 1st part of a serie of 2 albums. The second part will be released in September 2019.

==> Tenth studio album by the Finnish melodic metal band formed in 1993. It’s the first album to feature guitarist Daniel Freyberg since he became a member of the band in 2016.

ZEBRAHEAD

THE COATHANGERS

Brain Invaders

The Devil You Know

Origin : La Habra, California, USA

Origin : Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Genre : Punk Rock

Genre : Indie Rock, Punk Rpck

==> Thirteenth studio album by the Californian band formed in 1995. Released in Japan before the rest of the world, it’s the first album to be self-released outside of Japan.

==> Sixth studio album, released via Suicide Squeeze Records, by the American band formed in 2006. Recorded at Valentine Studios in Hollywood, the album was produced, recorded and mixed by Nic Jodoin, who produced the band’s previous album, Nosebleed Weekend.

STELLA DONNELLY

JAMES MORRISON

Beware of the Dogs

You’re Stronger Than You Know

Origin : Perth, Australia

Origin : Rugby, England

Genre : Indie Folk/Rock, Folk/Pop

Genre : Indie Soul/Folk/Pop

==> Brilliant debut album by the Australian musician, singer-songwriter, active since 2016. “Stella Donnelly is a young songwriter with a knack for wrapping unapologetic, brutally honest lyrics with a soaring lullaby to mesmeric effect.” (from artist bandcamp)

==> Fifth studio album by the Bristish guitarist, singer-songwriter, influenced in his childhood by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Van Morrison and Al Green.

CAMP CLAUDE

NICK WATERHOUSE

Double Dreaming

Nick Waterhouse

Origin : Paris, France

Origin : Los Angeles, California, USA

Genre : Indie Electro Pop

Genre : Soul, Rhythm and Blues

==> Brilliant second studio album by the trio formed in 2013 by Diane Sagnier (France),Mike Giffts (England) and Leo Hellden (Sweden).

==> Fourth studio album by the American guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer, active since 2002 and known for his “Roots” sound.

SASAMI

AMANDA PALMER

SASAMI

There Will Be No Intermission

Origin : Los Angeles, California, USA

Origin : Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Genre : Alternative Pop

Genre : Cabaret Pop

==> Debut studio album by the American musician, singer-songwriter, released via Domino Recording. Graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 2012, “Sasami Ashworth has been making music in almost every way possible for the last decade. Playing keys, bass, guitar within Cherry Glazerr and Dirt Dress, she has also been contributing vocal, string, and horn arrangements to studio albums by the likes of Vagabon, Curtis Harding, Wild Nothing, and Hand Habits…” (from artist bandcamp)

==> Third solo studio album by the American singer, songwriter, musician, author, and performance artist who was the lead vocalist, pianist, lyricist of the duo The Dresden Dolls and one-half of the duo Evelyn Evelyn. This new album has been crowdfunded and recorded in collaboration with John Congleton.

New Releases

#MusicMonday Review – February 2019

For many years, I’ve used the hashtag #MusicMonday to share some music recommendations from up-and-coming artists. Always fresh, and always different, trying to look for trends before they become one. You can check last month’s review, or my 2018 My Year In Music to see some of my more recent posts.

Valentine’s month has come and gone, so let’s take a trip around the world for some highlights from February 2019:

Filipa -- Good Behavior

First stop: a tune that takes us to a place where a crush can be so strong that anything goes, and it’s OK.

Our journey continues to Nashville, TN, with a pop piece about growing apart from your significant other, but still not letting go. In her own words:

“One of my friends experiences helped inspire the idea behind the song… It’s like they had been together for so long that they were scared of what it would be like to not have each other. It was a comfortability thing but nothing was working… the only thing keeping you with someone is the history between you two.”

Love comes in many different shapes and forms, and there’s nothing better than music to relate to all of them. If a song makes you remember a feeling, a person, or a place, it’s because music creates an emotional connection that can last forever.

==> Fifth studio album by the British group, released through Ninja Tune and Domino Recording. It’s the first album in 10 years, including collaborations with Moses Sumney, Roots Manuva, Tawiah, Grey Reverend, Heidi Vogel and Dorian Concept.

==> Second studio album, released via the legendary label Impulse! Records by the British band formed in 2013.

THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE

KAREN O, DANGER MOUSE

The Brian Jonestown Massacre

Lux Prima

Origin : San Francisco, California, USA

Origin : USA

Genre : Psychedelic Rock

Genre : Alternative Pop

==> Eighteenth studio album by the American band formed in 1990 and led by American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, Anton Newcombe.

==> Released via Matador records and featuring Malkmus on all the instruments, production and engineering, this first album without his band The Jicks, has been in the work for 12 to 13 years.

==> Second studio album, released via Burger records, by the Japanese four piece all girls band formed in 2012 by twin sisters Mana and Kana, alongside Yuna and Yuki. They are all from Nagoya, and were in the same class at high school.

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH

OVER THE RHINE

Gratitude

Love & Revelation

Origin : York, England

Origin : Cincinatti, Ohio, USA

Genre : Indie Folk Pop

Genre : Americana, Indie Folk

==> Delicate third studio album by the British singer-songwriter, active since 2006.

==> New album by the American band formed in 1989, and the core of which is the husband-and-wife team of pianist/guitarist/bassist Linford Detweiler and vocalist/guitarist Karin Bergquist.

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

CZARFACE

Reckless Heart

Czarface Meets Ghostface

Origin :Wednesbury, England

Origin : USA

Genre : Blues / Rock, Roots

Genre : Instrumental Hip Hop

==> Sixth studio album by the British guitarist and singer, discovered at 16 by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and inspired in her early teens by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix.

==> Collaborative studio album by American hip hop supergroup Czarface and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. Released via Silver Age, the album features guest appearances from Kendra Morris.

New Releases

March 2019 Ideas Review

Hello guys,

I’m a ComSci student and I made a web app for my final year project that recommends a playlist according to the user’s captured facial expression (powered by a machine-learning model). So for instance, when the user smiles at the camera/webcam, the system will then predict that their current mood is happy and the app will display a list of tracks according to the track attributes matching the happy mood.

The main goal of this project is to provide a supplementary approach for accessibility in music applications and initiate convenience for users where promptly deciding to browse or search for a playlist can be mitigated with a feature utilizing the state-of-the-art technologies.

I’m curious to know whether this type of feature can be regarded by the developers/ end-users so give me a shoutout if you’re down with this kind of groundbreaking proposal!